The Introvert Life: My Life As An Introvert & How I Cope With It

Raise your hand if you have an introvert life. My arm is raised highly, being supported by my other arm, just so everyone sees how much of an introvert I truly am. For as long as I can remember, I’ve been an introvert.

If you look up the word introvert on vocabulary.com you will find the following “An introvert generally prefers solitary activities to interacting with large groups of people. If you would rather work through your feelings in your diary than have a conversation, then you are an introvert. It describes a person who tends to turn inward mentally. Introverts sometimes avoid large groups of people, feeling more energized by time alone.”

My husband is 100% the opposite. He is a total extrovert, and is energized by interactions with others. He’s the guy at the social gatherings who can talk for hours, while I slowly sip my drink, racking my brain for something to add to the conversation. All the while thinking about how nice it’s going to be when I get to go home, slip into my pajamas, and get into bed.

Being an introvert has proved difficult at times. There are so many events that I should attend as a blogger, so many mommy groups, and other social gatherings that would really be beneficial to go to. But as soon as I start thinking about those events, and the forced conversations I will most likely have at them, I immediately think of something else I have to get done at home. “There’s a huge stack of laundry on the floor I have to do,” or “I probably should stay home and catch up on some emails”, or “It sounds so nice to order a pizza, and binge on some Netflix”. I tend to make these excuses for myself so that I feel okay staying home and continue my introvert life.

I’ve always had a small group of friends growing up. I didn’t understand how someone could join a sorority, or have massive friend groups. Just the thought of those things mentally exhaust me. I’ve always favored having a couple of really close friends, over having a ton of “obligation” friends. The friends you almost feel obligated to keep with, even though you literally have no time to do so. It totally makes you feel like a terrible person, but how can one person really keep up with hundreds of friends? It’s literally impossible, and you usually feel like a failure if you aren’t doing a good job at your friend duties.

Sometimes when I get out of a social function, and I’m back in my car I find myself exhaling really deeply. It’s like I can finally breathe once I’m alone, or just back with my close friend, or family. I literally feel exhausted; as if the social gathering took so much out of me that I need to mentally check out for the next few hours. Yep, that’s the typical introvert life!

After reading this some of you might think I’m a total weirdo, but I know there are some of you that will totally relate. I wanted to share some of the things I do to help me cope with being an introvert, so maybe they will help you as well.

Realize It’s Okay – It’s totally okay to be an introvert. After talking to more people about the topic, I found out that so many others are introverts as well. Once you open up to others about it, you will realize you are totally not alone here!

Limit Your Big Social Gatherings– I’m not saying to totally hide under a rock for the rest of your life, but I find that I’m much happier when I limit my big social gatherings. Be easy on yourself, and don’t commit to something, that you know you are going to want to cancel later. I think it’s healthy to attend these gatherings every so often, but don’t force a ton of them on yourself.

Cater To Your “Me Time”– As a mom and wife, I find it hard to carve in my “me time”. Sometimes my “me time” is literally taking a bath and watching a cheesy movie. Other times it’s grabbing dinner with a couple of close friends. Make sure you take care of yourself, and give yourself the time you need to refresh and recharge every so often.

Be Okay Saying No– It’s hard to turn down invites, I know, but when our life is already packed full, and we’re introverts, we just need to be okay with saying no. You can’t put pressure on yourself or feel bad for saying no. I’m a people pleaser, so this can be hard for me, but I’m working on it!

If you’re an introvert, I hope this post resonated with your introvert life! Pretty please leave your tips in the comments below for others who may be reading. We can all learn from each other! Thanks so much for stopping by today!

XO,

Lee Anne

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17 Comments

Natalyon February 22, 2017 at 9:12 am

I am an introvert and can totally relate to this post! I would rather be at home than out with friends. I do try to push myself out of my comfort zone, so that I can experience some fun events. But, I do relish going home and relaxing alone! Thank you so much for sharing your tips and experiences! xo, Nataly

I learned recently that I’m an ambivert! I’m super shy in groups of large people or people I don’t know well but around “my people” I’m very outgoing and extroverted. But I feel you, my husband is way more social than me so I usually let him do all the talking in large groups!

I am much an introvert myself, so I can totally relate to this post. All I’ve really needed in life is one good friend and I am happy. Large events are definitely not my thing, unless I am there with my one good friend. Great post!

I couldn’t relate more to everything you said in this post. When I’m at large social gatherings I often find myself looking at the time thinking, “when will it be ‘acceptable’ to leave?” I think it’s totally fine to be an introvert as long as you explain to your close friends and family so they understand 🙂

First of all, I loved learning more about you! Also help me understand Ben a bit more! My husband is a total introvert as well and I am the opposite! I love it though he brings a lot of balance to our home! He also never loves to go anywhere without me when it involves the correct people !

YOu are simply GORGEOUS!! Love this real post. I can totally relate… I use to be everything that you described. I actually am a complete extrovert now. I was more of an introvert because I was scared of letting people in.. to really know me. I put a lot of value on what others thought of me. I felt that I had to live up to their expectations even though no one ever told me that I had to. Amy who, that is why I was such an introvert. It’s been a journey of self evaluation. I love who God has helped me to become. I’m currently reading a book Uninvited {SO GOOD}. Anywho, thanks for sharing this!! I love real talk!!